Antipoverty Centre
@antipovertycentre.org
The experts on poverty are the people who live it. Break the poverty machine #BTPM 🍞🌹🏡
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Antipoverty Centre
@antipovertycentre.org
· Dec 10
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
The welfare system is not safe for poor people & nor is it safe for workers. Increasing surveillance & punishment of desperate people will not improve safety. Ensuring people have enough money to live and access to the support they need, without coercion, removes the conditions that create unsafety.
Bollocks. This is about protecting Centrelink staff from violence. Because someone was stabbed.
Having sat in a Centrelink office recently & seen what the staff had to deal with, I'm all for them having a safe workplace.
Having sat in a Centrelink office recently & seen what the staff had to deal with, I'm all for them having a safe workplace.
January 16, 2026 at 2:31 AM
The welfare system is not safe for poor people & nor is it safe for workers. Increasing surveillance & punishment of desperate people will not improve safety. Ensuring people have enough money to live and access to the support they need, without coercion, removes the conditions that create unsafety.
Surveillance of welfare recipients is not an appropriate response to people in increasingly desperate circumstances committing violent acts.
But Labor's plan seems to be just introducing more pre-crime punishments until needing welfare is itself seen as the crime.
www.itnews.com.au/news/service...
But Labor's plan seems to be just introducing more pre-crime punishments until needing welfare is itself seen as the crime.
www.itnews.com.au/news/service...
Services Australia to tap law enforcement data for staff security
Privacy obligations competing with staff safety concerns.
www.itnews.com.au
January 16, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Surveillance of welfare recipients is not an appropriate response to people in increasingly desperate circumstances committing violent acts.
But Labor's plan seems to be just introducing more pre-crime punishments until needing welfare is itself seen as the crime.
www.itnews.com.au/news/service...
But Labor's plan seems to be just introducing more pre-crime punishments until needing welfare is itself seen as the crime.
www.itnews.com.au/news/service...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Lump sum Aus Gov Disaster Recovery Payment extended to additional areas in Victoria affected by the bushfires - provides $1,000 for adults and $400 per child. Will be able to claim from Friday afternoon. www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/vic-bushfire...
January 15, 2026 at 5:10 AM
Lump sum Aus Gov Disaster Recovery Payment extended to additional areas in Victoria affected by the bushfires - provides $1,000 for adults and $400 per child. Will be able to claim from Friday afternoon. www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/vic-bushfire...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Big win for NDIS users at Federal Court. Sherri Sutherland and Victorian Legal Aid successful in establishing that people with disability are not required to prove that other services can’t meet their support needs first before getting onto the NDIS: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/access-ndis-...
Access to NDIS safeguarded by Federal Court win
The Federal Court has today made a landmark ruling against an appeal by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) which sought to limit eligibility for people accessing the National Disability I...
www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
January 14, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Big win for NDIS users at Federal Court. Sherri Sutherland and Victorian Legal Aid successful in establishing that people with disability are not required to prove that other services can’t meet their support needs first before getting onto the NDIS: www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/access-ndis-...
We are sick of hearing about “responsible” budgets from the treasurer. This is not responsible. There is no justification for denying people support they need for a decent life.
"Tony Lewis has Motor Neurone Disease and can’t access the NDIS because of his age. He’s now chosen voluntary assisted dying because of his inadequate aged care support."
January 12, 2026 at 9:13 AM
We are sick of hearing about “responsible” budgets from the treasurer. This is not responsible. There is no justification for denying people support they need for a decent life.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Workforce Australia just posted this on FB
Mutual obligation requirements will be paused for participants in the Goulburn Murray Employment Region due to bushfires, from Monday 12 January 2026 to Sunday 8 February 2026 (inclusive).
www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/...
Mutual obligation requirements will be paused for participants in the Goulburn Murray Employment Region due to bushfires, from Monday 12 January 2026 to Sunday 8 February 2026 (inclusive).
www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/...
January 12, 2026 at 4:16 AM
Workforce Australia just posted this on FB
Mutual obligation requirements will be paused for participants in the Goulburn Murray Employment Region due to bushfires, from Monday 12 January 2026 to Sunday 8 February 2026 (inclusive).
www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/...
Mutual obligation requirements will be paused for participants in the Goulburn Murray Employment Region due to bushfires, from Monday 12 January 2026 to Sunday 8 February 2026 (inclusive).
www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/...
As of right now folks dealing with bushfires/recovery can have their Centrelink payment stopped for not doing forced activities that are useless at the best of times, even if the reason is because their provider is unable to do something.
More great stuff from Minister Rishworth & her department 👍
More great stuff from Minister Rishworth & her department 👍
January 12, 2026 at 2:02 AM
As of right now folks dealing with bushfires/recovery can have their Centrelink payment stopped for not doing forced activities that are useless at the best of times, even if the reason is because their provider is unable to do something.
More great stuff from Minister Rishworth & her department 👍
More great stuff from Minister Rishworth & her department 👍
Amanda Rishworth has decided the best response to unlawful use of welfare penalties is to spend $44 million beefing up the welfare cop apparatus.
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
Funding for Centrelink payment cancellations ignores rot at the heart of welfare compliance
More public servants will not protect welfare recipients from rampant abuse by unaccountable, outsourced welfare cops
apcentre.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Amanda Rishworth has decided the best response to unlawful use of welfare penalties is to spend $44 million beefing up the welfare cop apparatus.
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
"It will not stop the threats, the bullying, abuse and the unlawful payment suspension decisions that derail people’s lives." – @jeremypoxon.bsky.social
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Her first assistant secretary also got the arse last year for tech glitches that wrongfully punished job seekers www.innovationaus.com/gig-guide-wo...
Gig Guide: Workforce Australia exec departs after tech bungle
Employment department first assistant secretary Melissa Ryan has vacated her role leading Workforce Australia for Individuals after a series of technology issues. A department spokesperson confirmed o...
www.innovationaus.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Her first assistant secretary also got the arse last year for tech glitches that wrongfully punished job seekers www.innovationaus.com/gig-guide-wo...
Another public servant bites the dust who's job involved ensuring the welfare compliance machine stayed on – just one week after the 2nd Ombudsman's report on unlawful administration of penalties.
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
December 16, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Another public servant bites the dust who's job involved ensuring the welfare compliance machine stayed on – just one week after the 2nd Ombudsman's report on unlawful administration of penalties.
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
When will Labor deal with the real problem & end the thing?
www.themandarin.com.au/305013-depar...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
I boycott any "charity" that uses forced labour, including "vinnies". Any "charity" that pays no tax, and is part of the "work for the dole" bullshit, will get nothing from me. This Labor gov't has the same policies of hate and punishment of the poor, as the LNP does, I despise both of them.
December 12, 2025 at 3:17 AM
I boycott any "charity" that uses forced labour, including "vinnies". Any "charity" that pays no tax, and is part of the "work for the dole" bullshit, will get nothing from me. This Labor gov't has the same policies of hate and punishment of the poor, as the LNP does, I despise both of them.
These corporate charities claim they exist to help the poor. Meanwhile they are annoyed that poor people get a break from doing forced unpaid labour at christmas. Give money to poor people not charities.
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
December 12, 2025 at 2:54 AM
These corporate charities claim they exist to help the poor. Meanwhile they are annoyed that poor people get a break from doing forced unpaid labour at christmas. Give money to poor people not charities.
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
PSA: compulsory activities for people on Centrelink payments are paused from 16 Dec to 5 Jan
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Don't believe Labor voters expected this. Punishing those doing it tough while allowing billion dollar corporations to escape tax altogether is now the Australian way.
December 11, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Don't believe Labor voters expected this. Punishing those doing it tough while allowing billion dollar corporations to escape tax altogether is now the Australian way.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Excellent work by all at the Anti-poverty Centre @antipovertycentre.org
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
December 11, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Excellent work by all at the Anti-poverty Centre @antipovertycentre.org
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
An economist can correct me if I’m wrong, but as I understand it, the system as *designed* REQUIRES ~4-5% unemployment.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
"our system of 'mutual' obligation relies on people continuing to stigmatise welfare as the moral failing of an individual....despite unemployment being baked into economic policy" - @amyremeikis.bsky.social
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
December 10, 2025 at 11:15 PM
An economist can correct me if I’m wrong, but as I understand it, the system as *designed* REQUIRES ~4-5% unemployment.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
It then punishes those people for being unemployed, including a payment so low it actively hinders seeking employment.
Then blames them for being unemployed.
DARVO as policy.
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
December 10, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Our backgrounder on the unlawful use of Centrelink payment penalties has now been updated with key excerpts and analysis from the Ombudsman's report. Check it out here: bit.ly/TCF_backgrou...
Thanks @3crmelbourne.bsky.social for having us on to talk about what is happening in the system of compulsory activities known as "mutual" obligations and what the Commonwealth Ombudsman found in his latest investigation into unlawful penalties for people on Centrelink payments.
Interview from 1:10
Interview from 1:10
The Impacts of Criminalising Young People, Lilie James’ Coronial Inquest, Injured Workers’ Support Team, Rave 4 the Towers, Ombudsman Criticises Mutual Obligations Remediation
Acknowledgement of Country// Headlines:Youth social media ban comes into effectNT government blocks UN human rights inspectors from prison accessVictorian Government apology to First Nations people cr...
https://www.3cr.org.au/thursday-breakfast/episode/impacts-criminalising-young-people-lilie-james’-coronial-inquest-injured
December 10, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Thanks @3crmelbourne.bsky.social for having us on to talk about what is happening in the system of compulsory activities known as "mutual" obligations and what the Commonwealth Ombudsman found in his latest investigation into unlawful penalties for people on Centrelink payments.
Interview from 1:10
Interview from 1:10
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Thinking of this in light of any real reform following the Robodebt scandal, the refusal to raise the social security rate to any substantial level, and the acknowledgement by the public service that 140 aspects of the social security system have been operating illegally.
'Asked what risks Labor faced if it failed to evolve at an organisational level and with its policies, Swan was blunt.
“We end up looking like the Democrats in the US or any number of once large, proud, centre-right parties around the world that have collapsed,” he said.'
“We end up looking like the Democrats in the US or any number of once large, proud, centre-right parties around the world that have collapsed,” he said.'
Wayne Swan warns Labor not to speak to Australians in ‘highly stylised political way’
Exclusive: ALP national president urges party to urgently renew its ageing grassroots membership base in suburban and regional areas
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Thinking of this in light of any real reform following the Robodebt scandal, the refusal to raise the social security rate to any substantial level, and the acknowledgement by the public service that 140 aspects of the social security system have been operating illegally.
"It was court rulings, the threat of mass compensations and deaths which made the Morrison government act on robodebt... ongoing reports from advocates, legal experts and those caught in the system prove beyond a doubt the fire isn’t just burning, it’s burning out of control."
Ty Amy for reporting
Ty Amy for reporting
Who could have predicted any of this? Oh that’s right - anyone paying attention
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2025...
The welfare system isn't just on fire, it's burning out of control
A second report into the use of job-seeker mutual obligations is even more damning then the first – but will the government act?
www.thenewdaily.com.au
December 10, 2025 at 10:28 PM
"It was court rulings, the threat of mass compensations and deaths which made the Morrison government act on robodebt... ongoing reports from advocates, legal experts and those caught in the system prove beyond a doubt the fire isn’t just burning, it’s burning out of control."
Ty Amy for reporting
Ty Amy for reporting
Centrelink payment suspensions cause distress, waste time and subject people in poverty to abuse by welfare cops.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
December 10, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Centrelink payment suspensions cause distress, waste time and subject people in poverty to abuse by welfare cops.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
2.7 million payment suspension notices a year and the system that applies them doesn't even hold the information to check whether they are lawful or not.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
"Payment suspensions cause immeasurable damage to our lives, destabilising people when we are already struggling to survive. This scandal must end, not when the government decides what tweaks it would like to make to this system, but now." @antipovertycentre.org
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
December 9, 2025 at 3:02 AM
"Payment suspensions cause immeasurable damage to our lives, destabilising people when we are already struggling to survive. This scandal must end, not when the government decides what tweaks it would like to make to this system, but now." @antipovertycentre.org
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Significant statement from the Ombudsman on payment suspensions - the system is unfairly and unlawfully punishing people who are "below the poverty line" and are "unlikely to find ongoing employment no matter how hard they try to comply with the requirements placed upon them"
December 9, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Significant statement from the Ombudsman on payment suspensions - the system is unfairly and unlawfully punishing people who are "below the poverty line" and are "unlikely to find ongoing employment no matter how hard they try to comply with the requirements placed upon them"
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
#BREAKING: The Commonwealth Ombudsman has published their investigation into the Targeted Compliance Framework & Mutual Obligations system
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
December 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
#BREAKING: The Commonwealth Ombudsman has published their investigation into the Targeted Compliance Framework & Mutual Obligations system
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
Their findings on the Department's administration of many parts of the system are incredibly damning 👇
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Secretary defends job providers' use of payment suspensions, as she's "interrogated the system in a very active way"
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
December 3, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Secretary defends job providers' use of payment suspensions, as she's "interrogated the system in a very active way"
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
So, she's asked about @antipovertycentre.org analysis, showing the system is threatening 5 payment suspensions a minute, & admits she didn't even check this data. Such interrogation!
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
The average value of a household’s energy debt increased by $219 last year - to $1,367
via @antipovertycentre.org
via @antipovertycentre.org
Energy justice advocates call on government to wipe growing energy debt
New AER data shows hundreds of thousands are struggling with rising energy debts as Australians demand more government intervention to lower bills.
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:25 PM
The average value of a household’s energy debt increased by $219 last year - to $1,367
via @antipovertycentre.org
via @antipovertycentre.org